[Tuesday, October 21] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

2025-10-21 2554 words 12 minutes

Contents

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare October 21, 2025

Executive Summary

Today’s top stories reveal escalating domestic and international tensions.

Government Shutdown Continues: A legislative stalemate deepens as Senate Democrats repeatedly block GOP plans to end the shutdown, centering the dispute on Obamacare subsidies.
US-Russia Summit Canceled: High-stakes talks between President Trump and Vladimir Putin have collapsed after the Kremlin refused a US proposal to freeze the front lines in Ukraine.
Executive Power Affirmed: A 9th Circuit ruling granted President Trump authority to deploy the National Guard to Portland.
Immigration Clashes: Federal immigration enforcement has intensified, marked by a violent L.A. shootout, a historic deportation pace, and reports of extremist threats against ICE agents.
Domestic Policy & Unrest: The White House moves to cancel student debt for millions, while politically charged crimes and protests continue nationwide.

1. The Trump Administration: Policy and Governance

1.1 Expansion of Executive Power and Legal Rulings

The administration has secured a significant affirmation of executive authority from the judiciary. In what is being reported as a “major legal victory,” the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that President Trump possesses the legal power to deploy the National Guard to Portland, Oregon [1]. This ruling shores up the executive’s latitude in managing domestic unrest.

References: [1] Trump can deploy National Guard to Portland, Oregon, 9th Circuit court rules in major legal victory, https://nypost.com/2025/10/20/us-news/9th-circuit-court-rules-trump-can-deploy-national-guard-to-portland/?utm_source=chrome&utm_campaign=android_nyp

1.2 Economic and Fiscal Policy

The White House is pursuing a dual-track economic agenda with significant implications. A major student debt cancellation plan, confirmed in multiple reports, has been agreed to and is expected to impact millions of borrowers [1]. Concurrently, the administration’s tariff strategy is creating fiscal and legal turbulence. Reports indicate that “surging tariff revenues” are setting the stage for a potential Supreme Court confrontation over the policy [2]. This strategy faces sharp scrutiny, as a formal Goldman Sachs analysis concludes that the economic burden of these tariffs falls primarily on U.S. businesses and consumers, contradicting claims that foreign entities are paying the cost [3]. In a positive announcement, the White House has officially stated that gas prices have reached a four-year low under the President [4].

References: [1] White House agrees to cancel student debt for millions of borrowers, https://nypost.com/2025/10/20/business/white-house-agrees-to-cancel-student-debt-for-millions-of-borrowers/
[2] Surging tariff revenues set the stage for Trump’s Supreme Court showdown, https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/surging-tariff-revenues-set-stage-trumps-supreme-court-showdown
[3] US businesses and consumers shoulder the bulk of tariff cost burden, Goldman Sachs finds, https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/us-businesses-consumers-shoulder-bulk-tariff-cost-burden-goldman-sachs-finds
[4] Gas Prices Hit Four-Year Low Under President Trump ⛽, https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/10/gas-prices-hit-four-year-low-under-trump/

1.3 Executive Branch Operations and Personnel

Internal and external friction is impacting the executive branch. A special counsel pick for President Trump is facing significant controversy over leaked texts in which he allegedly “boasted about having ‘Nazi streak’” [1]. Separately, President Trump is reportedly seeking up to $230 million from the Department of Justice over allegations of past “targeting,” with one report noting the funds could be spent on a White House ballroom [2]. Signs of internal resistance are also present; Trump ally Peter Ticktin has publicly warned that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche may be “quietly stalling key parts of the president’s second-term agenda” [3]. Inter-governmental tensions flared when the White House accused California Governor Gavin Newsom of being a “petty little man” for what they called an unnecessary highway closure during Vice President JD Vance’s travel to a Marine Corps event [4]. Finally, strong criticism is being directed at military officials, whom one headline labels “cowardly military brass,” for reportedly complaining to the media about Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth [5].

References: [1] Trump’s special counsel pick allegedly boasted about having ‘Nazi streak’ in leaked texts, https://nypost.com/2025/10/21/us-news/trumps-special-counsel-pick-allegedly-boasted-about-having-nazi-streak-in-leaked-texts/
[2] Trump seeks up to $230M from DOJ over alleged targeting — may spend on WH ballroom, https://nypost.com/2025/10/21/us-news/trump-seeks-millions-from-justice-department-over-russia-investigation-mar-a-lago-raid/
[3] Trump Ally Peter Ticktin Sounds the Alarm on Todd Blanche’s Grip Over the DOJ – Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche may be quietly stalling key parts of the president’s second-term agenda., https://amgreatness.com/2025/10/21/trump-ally-peter-ticktin-sounds-the-alarm-on-todd-blanches-grip-over-the-doj/
[4] WH: Gavin Newsom Unnecessarily Closed Highway During JD Vance’s Trip to U.S. Marine Corps Event — ‘Petty Little Man’, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/10/20/white-house-gavin-newsom-closed-highway-during-jd-vances-trip-to-u-s-marine-corps-petty-little-man/
[5] RESIGN You Filth! Cynical Publius Goes OFF on Cowardly Military Brass Crying to Media About Pete Hegseth – Twitchy, https://twitchy.com/samj/2025/10/21/resign-you-filth-cynical-publius-spits-fire-at-cowardly-brass-crying-to-media-about-pete-hegseth-n2420650

The administration has taken a significant and decisive step in social policy that aligns with a pro-life agenda. A report from LifeNews.com states that President Trump has shut down the Office of Population Affairs. The headline characterizes this federal office as an entity that “Promoted Abortion, Planned Parenthood,” indicating the closure is a direct move to curtail such activities at the governmental level [1].

References: [1] Trump Shuts Down Office of Population Affairs That Promoted Abortion, Planned Parenthood, https://www.lifenews.com/2025/10/18/trump-shuts-down-office-of-population-affairs-that-promoted-abortion-planned-parenthood/

2. Foreign Affairs and National Security

2.1 U.S.-Russia Relations and Ukraine Conflict

High-stakes diplomatic efforts to arrange a summit between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have collapsed. Multiple outlets report the meeting was definitively “canceled” after the Kremlin explicitly rejected a U.S. proposal to “freeze Ukraine front lines” [1, 2]. The primary obstacle appears to be Moscow’s unwavering strategic objectives; Russia publicly insisted its goal “to conquer Ukraine ‘has not changed’,” a position that led directly to the talks being shelved [2, 3]. While diplomacy stalls, one analysis suggests Russia’s military campaign is facing material exhaustion, claiming it is “running out of men and money to crack Ukraine’s ‘drone wall’” [4].

References: [1] Kremlin rejects Trump proposal to freeze Ukraine front lines, https://nypost.com/2025/10/20/world-news/kremlin-rejects-trump-proposal-to-freeze-ukraine-front-lines/
[2] Trump, Putin meeting canceled after Russia insists goal to conquer Ukraine ‘has not changed’, https://nypost.com/2025/10/21/us-news/trump-putin-meeting-canceled-after-russia-insists-goal-to-conquer-ukraine-has-not-changed/?utm_source=chrome&utm_campaign=android_nyp
[3] Plans for Trump-Putin meeting shelved days after Budapest talks proposed, https://www.aol.com/articles/no-immediate-plans-trump-putin-161840543.html?guccounter=1
[4] Russia’s running out of men and money to crack Ukraine’s ‘drone wall’, https://nypost.com/2025/10/20/opinion/russias-running-out-of-men-and-money-to-crack-ukraines-drone-wall/

2.2 National Security Investigations

A significant congressional action is targeting a former high-ranking intelligence official. Reports from multiple outlets confirm that the House Judiciary Committee has formally referred former CIA Director John Brennan to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution [1, 2].

References: [1] House Judiciary committee refers former CIA Director John Brennan to Justice Department for prosecution, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/house-judiciary-committee-refers-former-cia-director-john-brennan-justice-department-prosecution
[2] Judiciary Committee Refers John Brennan To DOJ For Criminal Prosecution, https://www.dailywire.com/news/judiciary-committee-refers-john-brennan-to-doj-for-criminal-prosecution

2.3 Middle East Developments

The Israeli government has released graphic video evidence it states shows “Hamas torturing, executing Palestinians as they beg for relief.” Israel is reportedly urging international journalists to publicize the footage in order to “shine a light” on these alleged atrocities [1]. This represents a new phase in the information war surrounding the conflict.

References: [1] Israel shares video of Hamas torturing, executing Palestinians as they beg for relief — urges journalists to ‘shine a light’ on the atrocities, https://nypost.com/2025/10/21/world-news/israel-shares-video-of-hamas-torturing-executing-palestinians-as-they-beg-for-relief-urges-journalists-to-shine-a-light-on-the-atrocities/?utm_source=chrome&utm_campaign=android_nyp

2.4 International Relations and Diplomacy

Several distinct developments mark the international landscape. A direct threat has reportedly been made by Colombia’s President Petro, who stated a desire “To ‘Get Rid of Trump’” [1]. In foreign policy discourse, an essay in Foreign Affairs is advocating for the U.S. to adopt a “Grand Strategy of Reciprocity” [2]. In South America, a significant political shift is being reported in Bolivia, where one headline claims “Twenty Years of Socialism Went Down the Drain” following recent events [3].

References: [1] BREAKING: Colombia’s President Petro Threatens To ‘Get Rid of Trump’, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/latino/jorge-bonilla/2025/10/21/breaking-colombias-president-petro-threatens-get-rid-trump
[2] A Grand Strategy of Reciprocity, https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/grand-strategy-reciprocity
[3] New Friends: Twenty Years of Socialism Went Down the Drain in Bolivia Sunday, https://hotair.com/tree-hugging-sister/2025/10/21/new-friends-twenty-years-of-socialism-went-down-the-drain-in-bolivia-yesterday-n3808059

3. Government Shutdown and Congressional Affairs

3.1 Shutdown Stalemate Over Healthcare Funding

A government shutdown continues as Senate Democrats have reportedly blocked a Republican plan to end it for the “11th time,” following a weekend of rallies that are said to have emboldened them [1]. In response, the GOP is offering to “extend Obamacare aid” while rejecting what it calls the “Democrats shutdown gambit” [2]. The legislative battle also involves a significant push from pro-life groups fighting to block abortion funding within Obamacare [3]. The shutdown’s downstream effects are drawing executive action, with one report noting President Trump has taken measures to “empower hunters” whose “way of life” is allegedly threatened [4]. The White House has taken a hardline stance, with the President reportedly telling Democrats to “Pound Sand Over Their Government Shutdown Extortion” [5].

References: [1] Senate Dems emboldened by weekend rallies block GOP plan to end shutdown for 11th time, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/senate-dems-emboldened-weekend-rallies-block-gop-plan-end-shutdown-11th-time
[2] Republicans move to extend Obamacare aid — but reject Democrats shutdown gambit, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/republicans-push-renew-obamacare-subsidies-while-rejecting-democrats-shutdown-tie-in
[3] Pro-Life Groups Fight to Stop Abortion Funding in Obamacare, https://www.lifenews.com/2025/10/20/pro-life-groups-fight-to-stop-abortion-funding-in-obamacare/
[4] Trump Empowers Hunters To Do Their Thing As Gov’t Shutdown Threatens Way Of Life, https://dailycaller.com/2025/10/20/trump-administration-fish-wildlife-service-hunting-refuges-shutdown/
[5] New: Trump Tells Democrats to Pound Sand Over Their Government Shutdown Extortion, https://redstate.com/bonchie/2025/10/21/trump-tells-democrats-to-pound-sand-over-government-shutdown-n2195314

4. Immigration: Policy, Enforcement and Political Impact

4.1 Violent Enforcement Confrontations

Immigration enforcement has turned violent in Los Angeles. A U.S. Marshal and a man described in reports as an “illegal immigrant” were both shot and hospitalized during an ICE operation [1, 2]. The shooting occurred after federal agents opened fire when the suspect allegedly rammed their vehicles in an escape attempt [2]. This incident underscores the high-risk nature of current enforcement actions. A separate post appears to show video of another tense confrontation, where a man “gets up in the face of a Border Patrol agent, refuses to step back, and reaches behind his back” [3].

References: [1] US Marshal, illegal immigrant shot during Los Angeles ICE operation, https://nypost.com/2025/10/21/us-news/us-marshal-illegal-immigrant-shot-during-los-angeles-ice-operation/
[2] US Marshal, illegal alien shot in Los Angeles immigration operation - Federal agents opened fire after suspect allegedly rammed vehicles in escape attempt, both hospitalized, https://www.foxnews.com/us/us-marshal-illegal-alien-shot-los-angeles-immigration-operation?msockid=1b6af8fec4456ecd2c60e84ac5af6f7d
[3] Man gets up in the face of a Border Patrol agent, refuses to step back, and reaches behind his back…, /r/Conservative/comments/1ociqig/man_gets_up_in_the_face_of_a_border_patrol_agent/

4.2 Administration Deportation Pace

The Trump administration’s immigration enforcement is proceeding at a historic rate. One report claims the administration is on pace to “shatter deportation record by end of first year,” with a source promising this is “just the beginning” [1]. This aggressive posture is supported by commentary arguing that blame for enforcement lies with Democrats “For Breaking” the law, not with ICE for enforcing it [2].

References: [1] Trump admin on pace to shatter deportation record by end of first year: ‘Just the beginning’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-admin-on-pace-shatter-deportation-record-end-first-year-just-the-beginning
[2] Don’t Blame ICE For Enforcing The Law. Blame Democrats For Breaking It, https://thefederalist.com/2025/10/21/dont-blame-ice-for-enforcing-the-law-blame-democrats-for-breaking-it/

4.3 Voter Integrity and Electoral Politics

Immigration continues to be a central issue in electoral politics, particularly concerning voter integrity. A state review in Texas has reportedly found 2,700 “illegal immigrants on voter rolls,” as confirmed by multiple outlets [1, 2]. Separately, a poll analysis from New York City’s mayoral race suggests that “foreign-born voters” are the key demographic driving a “huge lead” for socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani, with the report linking decades of mass immigration directly to this current political landscape [3].

References: [1] Texas finds 2,700 illegal immigrants on voter rolls in state review, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/texas-finds-thousands-illegal-immigrants-registered-vote-state-voter-rolls?msockid=1b6af8fec4456ecd2c60e84ac5af6f7d
[2] Report: Texas Finds Thousands of Illegal Immigrants Registered on State Voter Rolls, https://www.breitbart.com/pre-viral/2025/10/21/report-texas-finds-thousands-of-illegal-immigrants-registered-on-state-voter-rolls/
[3] Poll: Foreign-Born Voters Behind Mamdani’s Huge Lead in NYC Mayoral Race - Decades of mass legal immigration to New York City, New York, have propelled socialist Zohran Mamdani’s (D) campaign to be the city’s next mayor, a new poll reveals, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/10/21/poll-foreign-born-voters-are-behind-socialist-zohran-mamdani-huge-lead-nyc-mayoral-race/

5. Domestic Unrest and Political Division

5.1 Political Clashes, Protests, and Charged Crimes

Several high-profile criminal cases with strong political undertones are unfolding. Federal charges have been filed against teenagers who beat a former employee of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Edward ‘Big Balls’ Coristine [1]. Following the incident, the local police chief who had “scolded media after vicious beatdown,” has been placed on leave pending an investigation [2]. In another event, a Georgia man was arrested for allegedly shooting at a North Carolina home after tearing down a Trump banner [3]. Meanwhile, protests with the slogan “No Kings,” apparently aimed at President Trump, have also seen violence, with a local news report stating a “man dressed in Trump costume” was allegedly assaulted [4]. In a separate development drawing political comment, Hunter Biden has spoken out about the pardon he received from his father, Joe Biden, stating, “I realize how privileged I am” [5].

References: [1] AFederal Charges Filed Against Teens Who Beat Former DOGE Employee Edward ‘Big Balls’ Coristine, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/amy-curtis/2025/10/21/big-balls-update-n2665241
[2] Police Chief Who Scolded Media After Vicious Beatdown Placed On Leave Amid Investigation | The Daily Caller, https://dailycaller.com/2025/10/20/police-chief-scolded-media-vicious-beatdown-administrative-paid-leave-cincinnati/
[3] Georgia man arrested for allegedly shooting at North Carolina home after tearing down Trump banner, https://www.foxnews.com/us/georgia-man-arrested-allegedly-shooting-north-carolina-home-tearing-trump-banner.amp
[4] Man dressed in Trump costume allegedly assaulted at ‘No Kings’ protest, https://www.ksbw.com/article/man-dressed-in-trump-costume-allegedly-assaulted-at-massachusetts-no-kings-protest/69111884
[5] Hunter Biden breaks silence on pardon from dad Joe: ‘I realize how privileged I am’, https://nypost.com/2025/10/21/us-news/hunter-biden-breaks-silence-on-pardon-from-dad-joe/?utm_source=chrome&utm_campaign=android_nyp

5.2 Extremist Group Activities and Rhetoric

Reports indicate rising extremist activity and threatening rhetoric from organized groups. A headline from Breitbart claims that “Members of Chicago Education System” have issued calls for shooting ICE agents and mocked the assassination of an individual named Kirk [1]. In Portland, flyers attributed to Antifa have allegedly created a “‘hit list’ of journalists, live streamers, and conservative activists” near an ICE facility [2]. Concurrently, there is media discussion exploring “How Nick Fuentes Went Mainstream” [3] and a report noting that Columbia professors are publicly defending a Rutgers professor known as “‘Dr Antifa’” [4].

References: [1] Members of Chicago Education System Call for Shooting ICE Agents, Mock Kirk Assassination, https://www.breitbart.com/border/2025/10/21/members-of-chicago-education-system-call-for-shooting-ice-agents-mock-kirk-assassination/
[2] Antifa has created a ‘hit list’ of journalists, live streamers, and conservative activists who are posted on flyers outside the Portland ICE facility., https://x.com/KatieDaviscourt/status/1980700044488806451
[3] How Nick Fuentes Went Mainstream, https://www.thefp.com/p/how-nick-fuentes-went-mainstream
[4] Columbia professors defend “‘Dr Antifa’ Rutgers professor Mark Bray, https://www.foxnews.com/media/columbia-professors-rally-behind-antifa-aligned-rutgers-professor-mark-bray

6. Culture, Media, and Ideological Debates

6.1 Free Speech and Campus Controversies

Free speech battles are escalating, particularly on university campuses. At Northwestern University, pro-Palestinian students have filed a lawsuit alongside CAIR to challenge the school’s “mandatory antisemitism training,” escalating the conflict over campus speech codes [1]. In the United Kingdom, the president-elect of the prestigious Oxford Union was ousted by a student vote following a controversy involving Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk [2, 3]. The broader issue of free speech is also being debated in legal circles, with a Hoover Institution essay discussing its connection to “The Future Of Legal Education” [4].

References: [1] Pro-Palestinian students, CAIR sue over Northwestern’s mandatory antisemitism training, https://nypost.com/2025/10/20/us-news/students-sue-over-northwesterns-antisemitism-training/
[2] Oxford Union president ousted following Charlie Kirk scandal, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/10/21/george-abaraonye-oxford-union-president-charlie-kirk/
[3] Students vote to oust Oxford Union president-elect after Charlie Kirk comments, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/oxford-union-president-george-abaraonye-b2849134.html
[4] Free Speech And The Future Of Legal Education, https://www.hoover.org/research/free-speech-and-future-legal-education

The integrity of information sources is facing scrutiny from multiple angles. One investigative piece explores “How the Muslim Brotherhood Built a Media Empire” [1], while Wikipedia’s own co-founder is cited as saying the influential site “Needs a Radical Change” [2]. Historical narratives are also being challenged, with one article accusing historian Heather Cox Richardson of “Revisionist History” [3]. Separately, social debates are intensifying, highlighted by a report that a new law in Switzerland makes it a crime “to say skeletons can’t be trаns” [4].

References: [1] How the Muslim Brotherhood Built a Media Empire, https://www.thefp.com/p/how-the-muslim-brotherhood-built-media-empire
[2] He Co-founded Wikipedia, Now He Says the Site Needs a Radical Change, https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/he-co-founded-wikipedia-now-he-says-the-site-needs-a-radical-change-5928595
[3] Heather Cox Richardson’s Revisionist History, https://www.thefp.com/p/heather-cox-richardsons-revisionist-history
[4] It’s now a crime in Switzerland to say skeletons can’t be trаns, https://www.spiked-online.com/2025/10/20/why-is-it-a-crime-to-say-skeletons-cant-be-trans/